Join Adventure in Paradise for a 2.5-hour Sea Life Encounter cruise in Sanibel, Florida. Spot dolphins, manatees, and engage with marine creatures hands-on for a unique family-friendly adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including children and seniors; minimal physical exertion required beyond occasional wading.
Wildlife
History
Sanibel Island became a national wildlife refuge in 1967 to protect its unique coastal ecosystems and migratory birds.
Conservation
Adventure in Paradise prioritizes non-invasive wildlife interaction and participates in local habitat preservation efforts.
Adventure in Paradise: Sanibel Marina
Join Adventure in Paradise for a 2.5-hour Sea Life Encounter cruise in Sanibel, Florida. Spot dolphins, manatees, and engage with marine creatures hands-on for a unique family-friendly adventure.
Adventure in Paradise: Sanibel Marina is a Sanibel, Florida-based tour operator offering narrated wildlife and shelling cruises from Sanibel Island and San Carlos Bay. The company provides a range of family-friendly trips including 1.5-hour Morning, Afternoon and Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruises, a 6-hour Shelling & Lunch cruise to Cabbage Key, a 2.5-hour Sea Life Encounter Excursion, and seasonal holiday sunset cruises on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Each dolphin and wildlife cruise is narrated by a knowledgeable captain (and on morning trips a first mate) and includes complimentary bottled water or soft drinks. Guests can expect dolphin sightings, birdwatching, and occasional manatee encounters along the Sanibel coastline.
The Shelling & Lunch cruise combines beachcombing on remote islands with a stop at Cabbage Key Restaurant for a casual meal; guests are encouraged to bring swimsuits and beach gear. The Sea Life Encounter excursion emphasizes hands-on marine education with opportunities to net crabs and seahorses and interact with touch tanks, designed for all ages. Safety and local expertise are emphasized through experienced captains familiar with regional waters and wildlife behavior. Boats operate seasonally with guided narration, and tours are suitable for families, nature lovers, and photographers.
Featured on The Adventure Collective, Adventure in Paradise: Sanibel Marina is presented as a trusted local operator that focuses on responsible wildlife viewing, educational experiences, and memorable coastal adventures in the waters around Sanibel, Florida. Advance reservations are recommended during peak season to secure preferred departure times and ensure availability for popular cruises today.
Location
Sanibel, FL
Tours depart from Sanibel Marina
Trip Lengths
1.5–6 hrs
Short cruises to full-day adventures
Family Friendly
All Ages
Activities for children and adults
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Recognized local tour operator
Book narrated wildlife tours, educational Sea Life Encounter excursions, or the Cabbage Key shelling & lunch cruise for memorable Sanibel Island adventures.
Wear water-friendly footwear
Netting involves wading near shore—sturdy water shoes protect feet from shells and slippery rocks.
Bring sunscreen and a hat
Open boat decks mean direct sun exposure; protect skin to stay comfortable throughout the cruise.
Arrive early for check-in
Limited capacity cruises require timely arrival to secure your spot and receive safety briefings.
Camera with zoom recommended
Dolphins and manatees often appear at a distance—opt for zoom lenses to capture wildlife moments clearly.
Water shoes
Protect feet during netting and shallow water activities.
summer
Sunscreen
Necessary for prolonged sun exposure on deck.
spring
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides added shade and sun protection.
summer
Camera with zoom lens
Capture distant marine life without disturbance.